Teller County Disaster Risk
Teller County, Colorado
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 64 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
16th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Teller County, Colorado
Teller's wildfire risk pushes it above average
Teller County scores 38.84, earning a Very Low overall rating but sitting just below the national average. The county's elevated wildfire exposure distinguishes it from lower-risk peers.
Mid-tier risk among Colorado counties
Teller's 38.84 score falls just below the Colorado state average of 40.67, placing it in the middle of the state's risk distribution. It faces moderate hazard exposure compared to its statewide peers.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Teller ranks higher than San Juan (10.69), San Miguel (19.12), and Sedgwick (6.52), but lower than Summit County (60.21). Its wildfire profile sets it apart in the central mountain region.
Wildfire is the dominant concern
Wildfire risk (97.04) is exceptionally high in Teller County, among the state's most vulnerable areas. Tornado (27.96) and earthquake (23.35) risks are moderate; flooding remains low at 15.94.
Wildfire insurance is non-negotiable
Teller County's wildfire risk of 97.04 makes comprehensive fire coverage essential—verify your homeowner's policy includes wildfire damage or purchase a dedicated rider immediately. Creating defensible space around your home and developing an evacuation plan are equally important steps.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Teller County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Teller County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Teller County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 39th percentile. Teller County's 39th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Teller County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 28th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (23th percentile), flood (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 97th percentile nationally for wildfire, Teller County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's tornado exposure at the 28th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Teller County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Teller County's composite risk score is within 1.8 points of the Colorado county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Teller County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Teller County, CO?
What types of natural hazards affect Teller County?
How does Teller County risk compare to the Colorado average?
Is Teller County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Teller County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.